2010 British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards

The recipients of the 2010 British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards were honoured December 1 at a gala celebration hosted by the BC Achievement Foundation. Nineteen awards were presented by Premier Gordon Campbell to recipients from across the province.

"Congratulations to each of the 18 businesses honoured in the second annual awards," said Premier Campbell. "The businesses selected reflect the remarkable cross-section of enterprise and industry within British Columbia's Aboriginal business sector."

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards were launched in October 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence. Seven award recipients, one from each category, were selected in the 2010 awards. In addition, a further group of eleven Aboriginal businesses were noted for their outstanding achievement. An independent jury panel evaluated the submissions based on the viability, sustainability and competitiveness of the business.

"The jury had an extremely difficult task selecting the recipients from the many remarkable businesses nominated in this year's submissions," said Mitchell. "The BC Achievement Foundation extends its appreciation to the jury members, Tim Low, entrepreneur, past economic development officer and currently director of citizen services, Service Canada; Chief Michael LeBourdais, Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band and Ruth Williams, CEO, All Nations Trust Company, for their thoughtful deliberations."

"This year's Aboriginal Business Award recipients represent the growing number of outstanding Aboriginal business leaders in British Columbia," said Barry Penner, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. "These role models will encourage the next generation of Aboriginal people to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life."

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards are presented by the BC Achievement Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and generously supported by New Relationship Trust, BC Hydro, Teck, and Encana.